Diagnostic Potential Of Smartphones Remains A Work In Progress, Experts Say

KHN  reports smartphones “are being repurposed and commercialized for quick access to information needed for monitoring patient health,” but their use “as diagnostic tools remains a work in progress.” While “doctors and their patients have found some real-world success in deploying the phone as a medical device, the overall potential …

Certain Types Of Probiotic Bacteria May Help Address Bad Breath

NBC News reports, “An analysis of previous studies revealed that certain bacteria taken as supplements, including Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus reuteri, could help freshen breath.” The researchers examined data from seven studies to determine “whether probiotic bacteria might help manage bad breath.” They found the compounds that are associated with bad …

Researchers Say Alcohol Warning Labels Do Not Adequately Inform Consumers About Cancer Risk

The Washington Post  (Blakemore) reports alcohol warning labels “haven’t been updated since the late 1980s,” and “now, researchers say they don’t adequately advertise alcohol consumption’s biggest potential health consequence: cancer, including breast cancer.” In a perspective piece  published in “the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers warn that the labels …

Researchers Say Alcohol Warning Labels Do Not Adequately Inform Consumers About Cancer Risk

The Washington Post (Blakemore) reports alcohol warning labels “haven’t been updated since the late 1980s,” and “now, researchers say they don’t adequately advertise alcohol consumption’s biggest potential health consequence: cancer, including breast cancer.” In a perspective piece published in “the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers warn that the labels are outdated …

Oral Germs May Show Bacterial Resistance To Common Antiseptics

DrBicuspid reported, “Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and other oral germs may show bacterial resistance to antiseptics, including chlorhexidine, according to a review published on October 21 in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene.” Additionally, “resistance may rise over time.” The authors wrote, “This scoping review may support clinicians and leaders of …

Despite Its Popularity On Social Media, DIY Dentistry Poses Risks

Kaiser Health News  (10/18, Giles) discussed DIY dentistry trends on social media, particularly TikTok, saying that in addition to DIY gem kits, “there are DIY tooth replacement kits and bedazzled grills available online for under $25, and recipes for homemade toothpaste and whitening treatments.” According to the article, “The TikTok …

Systemic Review Assesses Dental Treatment Before Radiotherapy For Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

A systematic review published in The Journal of the American Dental Association associated dental treatment prior to radiation for head and neck cancer with a higher risk of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw, but the evidence was of very low certainty, ADA News reported. “Maintaining optimal oral health may help reduce …